Traveler Spotlight: Tamara Whitehouse, EEG Tech

Tamara Whitehouse is a traveling powerhouse for Aureus Medical, having been named our Cardiopulmonary Division’s 2018 Travel Healthcare Employee of the Year. Tammy is an experienced EEG Tech and her travel assignments have taken her to a variety of locations throughout the US.

I got in touch with Tammy for a quick interview to shed some light on traveling as an EEG Tech since it’s one of our lesser-known healthcare specialties that we help staff. There’s no better person to learn about traveling from than someone who has worked hard and created a great reputation for herself in the field.

Here’s what Tammy revealed about her travel experiences:

How long have you been traveling, and why did you start? 3.5 years. For the experience and to learn new things.

How did you prepare to be a traveler? I talked to travelers that I worked with at my full-time job before I started traveling.

In your opinion, what defines a quality traveler? Being flexible, willing to change. Not every facility does things the same.

What has surprised you the most about traveling? How nice and welcoming the facilities have been.

What’s your favorite and least favorite part of being a traveler? My least favorite part is having to do drug screens, a physical, and new hospital orientation every time you go to a new place.  My favorite thing is meeting new people, making new friends, and exploring the places I travel to.

What advice do you have for new travelers or for those who are considering traveling? Go to the assignment as if it was your full time job.  Don’t go in with the attitude that you are only there for a short amount of time and you can do things how you want. If you work hard and they like you, you might be asked to extend or come back.

Anything else you want to add? I have only been traveling for a short time. I have been to Greenville, SC, Columbia, MO, back to Greenville, SC, and back to Columbia, MO. In addition, I’ve also gone to Winchester, VA, Madison, WI, and Dallas, TX.

There you have it. My hope is that you’ll use Tammy’s advice if you’re a traveler to help expand your career.

Whether you are a traveling healthcare professional like Tammy or a permanent employee, we have all been the newbie at some point. What are your tips for gearing up in a new profession?

Katie Lutmer is a Social Media Recruiter for the Cardiopulmonary, Neurodiagnostic, and Imaging divisions of Aureus Medical Group.